Early Years

Please note, this course is delivered at our Havant Campus.

This foundation degree provides a broad perspective of working with children through early childhood up to eight years of age. You will gain a sound understanding of the diverse contexts in which young children develop and learn. This course is aimed at those working in a variety of early settings.

Why Choose this Course?
Explore aspects of early years and reflect on and develop your own personal practice. You'll have access to excellent support and resources from both the College and the University of Chichester. Working in the sector alongside studying enables reflection and adds relevance to work.

Entry Requirements
– Have professional experience of working or volunteering in an Early Years setting (examples include a Nursery, Day Care, School Key Stage 1 or Reception class or as a Childminder), for min. 12 hrs pw
– Have the support of their employer or voluntary setting (unless self-employed, e.g. childminders)
– Obtain a satisfactory enhanced DBS check
– Have suitable GCSEs
– Have a full Level 3 early years qualification (e.g. NVQ 3 in Children’s Care Learning and Development, BTEC National Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development, Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce or an Advanced Apprenticeship in Early Years, CACHE DCE or an A Level programme
– T Level in Early Years Education
– Attend an interview
– Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) or Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) will be considered.

Structure
This course will develop your skills in the study of childhood from psychological, historical, cultural, sociological, social policy and philosophical viewpoints. It is delivered through taught sessions and is designed to support your development as an early years practitioner.

This intermediate level study can also provide headway towards gaining a full degree in Early Childhood Studies, becoming an Early Years’ Teacher or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This course feeds into the BA top-up in Early Childhood which is also offered at HSDC. Students on this course are expected to attend one day a week at College, alongside working in the sector.

Year One:

• Introduction to Early Years - Child Development in the Early Years - Children’s Rights - Creativity and Expressive Arts - Reflective practitioner - Safeguarding

Year Two:

• Curricula around the world - Understanding children's behaviour - Working with families - Importance of research in the Early Years - Childhood in Crisis - Special Education Needs

Teaching and Learning
This is a two year programme delivered on one day per week. It has a practical, vocational focus to the study of early years working and provides grounding in social science perspectives to inform practice.

The course is delivered partly through taught sessions and partly through employer- supported work-based learning. You will be taught in small groups and there is individual tutorial support to assist with the planning and checking of coursework.

Assessment
You will be assessed by a variety of methods, including essays, reports, observations and poster presentations. You'll be supported throughout and also be encouraged to monitor your own progress, giving you the opportunity to discuss any issues with your lecturers during the course.

Progression
This course leads to the BA top-up in Early Childhood which can lead to PGCE or Schools Direct routes into primary teaching. However, this qualification can lead to Management in the early years sector or further qualifications leading to, for example, speech therapy, play therapy or social work.

About Us
Our campus has a range of modern facilities to enhance students learning experience. There are frequent buses and trains from the surrounding areas. There is free onsite parking.

Course fee may be subject to a % increase for Sept 2026. Modules correct at the time of publication.

Year 1:

• Introduction to Early Years
• Child Development in the Early Years
• Children’s Rights
• Creativity and Expressive Arts
• Reflective practitioner
• Safeguarding.

Year 2:

• Curricula around the world
• Understanding children's behaviour
• Working with families
• Importance of research in the Early Years
• Childhood in Crisis
• Special Education Needs.

You will be assessed by a variety of methods, including essays, reports, observations and poster presentations. You will be supported throughout and also be encouraged to monitor your own progress, giving you the opportunity to discuss any issues with your lecturers during the course.

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Primary